Sperm analysis is performed under a microscope. We can say that this is the only and main analysis that allows us to assess a man on his ability to conceive a child. At the same time, we note that any deviation from the normal values of the spermogram does not mean the complete impossibility of conception.
Any negative spermogram indicators can only reduce the likelihood of conception, but in no way exclude it.
How to prepare for the delivery of a spermogram
In order to achieve reliable results, you should prepare for the test as follows:
- refrain from taking thermal procedures for several days (sunbathing, solarium, hot shower, bath, sauna, bath);
- for several days, you should stop using large amounts of caffeine, drugs, alcohol;
- complete sexual abstinence should be observed for several days (from two to seven days).
If necessary, repeated spermogram should be performed in the same laboratory and with the same observance of time intervals.
The influence of alcohol on the spermogram is difficult to overestimate, so abstinence in this case can only bring benefits. The situation is the same with the use of drugs, medications and caffeine. Compliance with sexual abstinence and refusal of thermal procedures will create favorable conditions in the environment of sperm, and the analysis will turn out to be more accurate and of high quality.
How to take a spermogram
The analysis is carried out with the entire amount of sperm received from a man as a result of masturbation. Some laboratories may accept a condom with male sperm for testing. However, you should be aware that the storage of the material should not exceed three hours, otherwise the result of the analysis may be in doubt.
The ideal place for donating sperm is the laboratory, in which the necessary research will take place.
First, the ejaculate is assessed by eye (externally), then it is transferred to a glass slide and begins to be examined under a microscope.
Decoding of spermogram results
Ejaculate volume
Normally, spermogram indicators should not fall below 3 ml. If all the material received indicates an insufficient amount of volume, then this indicates a decrease in the functionality of the gonads. The increase in volume may be associated with inflammatory processes (vesiculitis, prostatitis).
Colour
In normal condition, the color can be:
- white;
- grayish white;
- yellowish white.
The appearance of a brown or red tint in the ejaculate indicates blood impurities, which happens when:
- calculous prostatitis;
- chronic vesiculitis;
- trauma to the genitals.
A yellow tint indicates:
- taking certain medications;
- eating foods with food colors.
This indicator is not decisive in the diagnostic results.
NS
In a normal state, the PH level is no more than 7.8.
Any deviations from normal values are associated with inflammatory processes (vesiculitis or prostatitis).
Liquefaction time
Normally, the liquefaction time should not exceed one hour.
An increase in time may be the result of prolonged inflammation of the gonads (vesiculitis, prostatitis). Sometimes enzyme deficiency in the body can cause an extended liquefaction time.
As a result of these processes, sperm spend more time acquiring motility, which leads to more prolonged contact with the acidic contents of the vagina. And this, in turn, dramatically reduces the chances of fertilization.
Liquefaction time has a direct impact on the likelihood of conception.
Semen viscosity
The viscosity is determined by the length of the elongated thread formed by the sperm flowing from a special needle or pipette. The length of this thread is measured in centimeters.
Normal semen viscosity is about 0.5 centimeters.
The increase in viscosity is associated with inflammation in the gonads and leads to difficulty in the movement of sperm in the vagina, and this reduces the chances of fertilization egg cells. This indicator also directly indicates a low probability of conception.
Sperm concentration
The normal value is 20 million or more in one ml of semen. A decrease in sperm concentration is called oligozoospermia.
Sometimes an increase in the concentration of spermatozoa (polyizoospermia) is considered, in which the indicators grow to 120 million / ml. The possibility of fertilization does not depend in any way on the concentration of sperm.
Sperm count
In a normal state, the sperm count should exceed 60 million.
The reasons for a decrease in sperm count are the same as for a decrease in their concentration.
Sperm motility
It is clear that this is one of the most important indicators of spermogram.
The degree of mobility is divided into four groups:
- A - active spermatozoa with rectilinear movement;
- B - sedentary spermatozoa with rectilinear movement;
- C - sedentary spermatozoa with rotational or oscillatory motion;
- D - immotile spermatozoa.
Decreased mobility is called asthenozoospermia.
Sperm morphology
This data reflects the percentage of sperm that are able to fertilize an egg. In a normal state, their percentage exceeds 20%. A decrease in their number is called teratozoospermia.
Live sperm
In a normal state, their content in the ejaculate is about 50%.
A decrease in their number is called necrospermia.
Spermatogenesis cells
In a normal state, their percentage fluctuates around 2%.
Agglutination in spermogram
Agglutination means sperm cells stick together.
The normal state is not noted.
The chance of natural fertilization is reduced.
Aggregation
Large accumulation of sperm in clots. There is no normal state.
It does not have much effect on the probability of fertilization.
Leukocytes in spermogram
White blood cells.
In a normal state, their number is about 1,000,000 in one milliliter.
An increase in the number of leukocytes indicates an exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the male genital area, but does not affect the likelihood of fertilization.
Erythrocytes
Red blood cells.
Normal - absent. The indicator of their number in the blood does not affect the likelihood of fertilization.
Amyloid bodies
Formations formed in the prostate gland.
Normally, they are present. This indicator does not directly affect the possibility of conception.
Leticin grains
Leticin grains are formed in the prostate gland.
Normally, they are present. Their absence in the ejaculate indicates a decrease in function and inflammatory processes in the prostate gland.
It does not directly affect the probability of fertilization.
Slime
In the normal state, it is completely absent or present in small quantities.
An increase in the amount of mucus indicates an inflammatory process in the genitals.
Spermogram can be:
- bad;
- normal;
- good.
A bad spermogram indicates a decrease or extinction of the function of the male gonads and an inability to fertilize an egg.
A normal spermogram shows that all parameters of the ejaculate are normal, which means the ability of the sperm to fertilize.
A good spermogram is the best estimate of male fertility.
Spermogram indicators should be taken into account when planning a pregnancy, because the health of the unborn child depends on the quality of the sperm.
The reduced quality of spermogram should push the man to take active actions aimed at improving your health, and this, in turn, will create favorable conditions for the normal development and functioning sperm.
How to improve spermogram
To improve your spermogram, we advise you to use a few general rules:
- treatment should include comprehensive programs using essential drugs and supportive (stimulating) drugs;
- treatment should take a sufficiently long period of time, commensurate with the maturation time of the sperm (approximately 70 days);
- a control spermogram must be taken no earlier than a month after the end of treatment;
- the general course of treatment should not last more than six months.
If your sperm counts have improved, but you do not plan to immediately conceive, then there is an opportunity to resort to the services of a cryobank, where you can freeze high-quality sperm until better times.
Vitamins to improve spermogram
Folic acid
Folic acid regulates the maturation of sperm cells.
The daily intake is about 800 mcg.
You should start taking it a few (3-4) months before fertilization.
Zinc
Zinc is found in foods such as:
- oysters;
- asparagus;
- spinach;
- mushrooms;
- beans;
- mussels;
- crabs.
The daily norm is 15 mcg.
Vitamin A
This vitamin is found in foods such as:
- red or yellow fruits and vegetables;
- butter;
- Cod liver;
- eggs.
The daily rate is 25,000 IU.
Vitamin B
This vitamin promotes testosterone production.
Contained in:
- porridge;
- chicken white meat;
- black bread.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C - protection from external harmful influences.
Contained in:
- fresh herbs;
- any vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin E
The daily rate is 400 IU.
Vitamin E is found in:
- sprouted wheat;
- soybeans;
- sunflower oil;
- nuts;
- fresh cereals;
- bran;
- coarse flour.
Selenium
Selenium deficiency can be the cause of male infertility.
You can replenish the required amount of selenium with the following products:
- wheat;
- liver;
- meat;
- a fish.
Where can I take a spermogram
A spermogram can be taken in the medical center "Your Clinic".
Clinic address: Moscow, Bolshaya Dmitrovka street, 9, building 3.
The nearest metro stops are Teatralnaya or Okhotny Ryad.
Phone: 495 589 85 42 (43).
The cost of a spermogram at the medical center is 1200 rubles.
